What does "double free or corruption (top)" mean in python?

Question

I get this error every time I type:

from matplotlib.pyplot import close, figure, plot, axis, grid

The error reads:

double free or corruption (top)

What does this mean? How might I address it? This happens even if it is the first thing I type, with no previous commands.

Answer 1

It sounds like a C-level problem, something with the (malloc) heap.

I'd try a newer CPython (up to but not including 3.9), or try removing matplotlib and reinstalling it with your current version of CPython.

BTW, I tried your import with CPython 3.8, and did not get the quoted error; it seemed to import fine. I did this with a freshly-installed matplotlib.